Youngster refuses to distribute drugs; irate 15-year-old cut his hand

By Monique Washington
A 15-year-old child pled guilty in Magistrate’s Court after he cut another boy’s hand for refusing to distribute drugs. A Charlestown juvenile faced Magistrate Yasmine Clarke on Tuesday and told the court he was very sorry and pled guilty to wounding.
On March 23 the accused juvenile called another juvenile to his house, according to facts presented by Police Prosecutor Inspector Eurita Collins-Percival. The defendant asked the young boy to carry some drugs for him to New Castle. The young man refused, saying he would get in trouble with his mother.
Upon refusing, the defendant told the boy to put his hand in a flower pot located near the front door. He was told if he did it the defendant would pay him $5.
When the young boy attempted to put his hand in the pot, the defendant grabbed him and pulled him into the house. The defendant picked up a black handled knife from the kitchen and cut the boy’s hand. The boy ran from the house screaming, got on his bike and rode home. The parents made a report and the police picked up the defendant.
Magistrate Clarke asked the defendant what punishment he should receive from his parents. He told the court that “they talked to me and told me not to do it again,” the youngster said. He told the court he was sorry and “didn’t think it would have reached so far.”
Thus far a number of juveniles have been caught with drugs. Weeks earlier, a nine year old Bath Village resident was caught trying to sell marijuana to his schoolmates for two dollars. High School students have also been found in possession of the illegal drug.
After the young man spoke, Magistrate Clarke told him if he was older she would have sent him to jail.
“I am giving you a chance,” the magistrate said. “Make good use of it and do not come back again for anything like this,” she warned the young boy.
He was then convicted and fined $800 to be paid in three months or face one month in prison.